Solar energy is the only clean, renewable source of energy that has sufficient capacity to replace fossil fuels and meet rising global energy needs. To decrease our reliance on fossil fuels, our challenge is to harness solar energy as a storable fuel on a massive scale. Meeting this challenge means understanding photosynthetic energy conversion at a molecular level, a task requiring perspectives from all disciplines of science. Researchers in photosynthesis have a long innovative history of working across conventional boundaries and engaging in multidisciplinary collaborations. For several decades, the Gordon Research Conference on Photosynthesis has been a key international focal point for the dissemination of new results and the forging of new research collaborations. Continuing this tradition, the 2012 Photosynthesis GRC will bring together top international researchers from diverse and complementary disciplines, all working towards understanding how photosynthesis converts light into the stable chemical energy that powers so much of our world. Few other biological innovations have more profoundly transformed life on Earth than the capture and conversion of solar energy by the photosynthetic machinery. The chemical energy and molecular oxygen produced by this machinery has driven the proliferation of life on Earth and profoundly shaped all life forms.

Focal points for talks and discussions will include:

• Artificial photosynthesis and solar energy conversion strategies
• Engineering organisms for biofuels and hydrogen production
• Electron transport, proton transport, and energy coupling
• Photoprotection mechanisms
• Photosynthetic reaction center structure and function, including rewiring reaction centers for artificial photosynthesis
• Energy capture and light harvesting solutions, including quantum coherence
• Structure of the oxygen evolving complex and the mechanism of oxygen production

The 2012 conference will have a close eye on practical applications of photosynthetic energy conversion. We are reaching out to share knowledge and perspectives with colleagues in fields that can contribute to the development of practical, sustainable solar energy conversion. Reflecting the interdisciplinary nature of photosynthesis research, a diverse group of invited speakers will represent a variety of scientific approaches to investigate photosynthesis. Highly interactive poster sessions will provide opportunities for graduate students and postdocs to present their work and exchange ideas with leaders in the field. One of the highlights of the Conference is a session featuring short talks by junior investigators selected from the poster presentations. The collegial atmosphere of the Photosynthesis GRC, with programmed discussion sessions as well as informal gatherings in the afternoons and evenings, enables participants to brainstorm, exchange ideas, and forge new collaborations.

This Conference will be immediately preceded by a Gordon Research Seminar on Photosynthesis, Biofuels and Artificial Photosynthesis (July 7-8, 2012, at the same location). The GRS provides an additional opportunity for graduate students and postdocs to present their research, and it provides a mechanism to encourage active participation by junior scientists interested in photosynthesis and its applications.